What is the Difference Between ATX and Micro ATX?

The main differences between ATX and Micro ATX motherboards are their size, expansion slots, and features. Here is a comparison of the two:

• Size: ATX motherboards measure 12 x 9.6 inches (305 x 244 mm), while Micro ATX motherboards are smaller, measuring 9.6 x 9.6 inches (244 x 244 mm).
• Expansion Slots: ATX motherboards typically have seven expansion slots, including PCI, PCIe x1, and PCIe x4 slots. In contrast, Micro ATX motherboards have only four expansion slots, which can limit their expandability.
• Memory Slots: ATX motherboards support up to four RAM slots, each capable of accommodating RAM cards of up to 32 GB. Micro ATX motherboards, on the other hand, usually support only two RAM slots.
• Cooling and Performance: ATX motherboards have more space for cooling and larger heatsinks, making them more suitable for high-end builds. Micro ATX motherboards have smaller heatsinks and fewer fan headers, which can limit their performance in high-end builds.
• Cost and Power Consumption: ATX motherboards tend to be more expensive and consume more power than Micro ATX motherboards.
• Cases and Form Factors: ATX motherboards require larger and heavier cases, while Micro ATX motherboards can be used in smaller and more compact cases.

In summary, ATX motherboards offer more expansion slots, memory slots, and cooling options, making them suitable for high-end gaming and workstation builds. Micro ATX motherboards are smaller, more compact, and less expensive, making them ideal for budget-conscious users or those with limited space.

Comparative Table: ATX vs Micro ATX

Here is a table comparing the differences between ATX and Micro ATX motherboards:

ATX motherboards are larger, more expensive, and offer more expansion options, making them suitable for high-end gaming and workstations. Micro ATX motherboards are smaller, less expensive, and have fewer expansion options, making them ideal for budget gamers and those with limited space.